Better Beaches Blog

Promoting free events and activities on the Boston Harbor region's public beaches from Nahant to Nantasket.

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About The Better Beaches Blog

The Boston Harbor region's network of 19 miles of sandy public beaches are a remarkable resource for regional residents, and an increasingly popular destination for visitors from across the nation and around the world.

This Better Beaches blog highlights some of the dozens of free events and activities that Save the Harbor / Save the Bay's "Better Beaches" program helped make possible in 2009 in waterfront neighborhoods and beachfront communities from Nahant to Nantasket.

Thanks to our community and our corporate and philanthropic partners whose hard work and generosity made these great events possible.

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay (SH/SB) is a non-profit public-interest environmental advocacy organization whose mission is to restore and protect Boston Harbor, Massachusetts Bay, and the marine environment for everyone to enjoy.

For more information on Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and our programs, please visit us at www.savetheharbor.org.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Starting off as a cloudy morning, Saturday turned into a beautiful day! On Saturday, 25th 2010 me and other friends of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay went on an adventure to SpectacleIsland. We started the day off gathering around the dock where Bruce Berman, one of the original founders of Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay gave an brief speech about the trip and soon after we were off!

With the help of AC cruise lines we reached our destination in no time and all the families were off exploring! I was surprised at how much there was to do at the Island. While I was on the beach I met one family who were keeping themselves entertained by burying each other! As I walked around I met another family, The Bee’s that were enjoying running around and playing ball. It was also a perfect day to fly kites which many families were doing. It was so nice to see families and especially the kids enjoy themselves and just having fun

This was my very first time at SpectacleIsland and I fell in love with it! The island is so beautiful and well maintained. After taking time to grab a quick snack from the summer shack, me and some of the Save the Harbor crew went on a hike to the top of the island. No being an avid hiker, I was worried I would not make it to the top! To my surprise the hike was not difficult but very relaxing. On the way to the top, it was fascinating to learn about the history and facts about the island. The view of the city line from the top of the island was AMAZING! Can you believe that this island was once a trash dump?

Despite only being less then a 20 minute boat ride from BostonSpectacleIsland is truly a hidden gem. For those who do not know any thing about SpectacleIsland here is a brief history: It is believed that Native Americans used the island for fishing starting around 600 A.D. In the 1600s Europeans used the island as a source for firewood along with making it a smallpox quarantine. In 1857 a horse rendering plant was built which was followed by a city trash incinerator that was active till 1935. The island then became a trash dumb till the 1990s. It was when the infamous big dig started that things started to change for this smelly island. The dirt that was excavated from the dig was shipped off to SpectacleIsland which was used to resurface the island. With thousands of trees planted and paths created the island opened up to the public in 2006. You can find all sorts of treasures on the two beaches located on the island left over from its days of being a trash dump. I found all this information on the island from the national park service's website so check it out!

Now that it is starting to get cold I am not sure I will get out to SpectacleIsland until next spring but am so thankful I had the opportunity to explore the island on what can only be described as a perfect fall day. SpectacleIsland was truly captivating and I cannot wait to get a chance to explore all the BostonHarborIslands! To find out about other great events like this check out our Boston Harbor events and activities facebook page!

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

The Endless Summer Waterfront Festival Down in Hull we try our hardest to keep summer rolling along on Nantasket Beach until our big festival Saturday September 25th from noon-6pm. With help from SHSB we were able to produce our tv commercial with hopes that it will bring you all to Nantasket for a final summer party.

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Greetings: The Endless Summer Waterfront Festival has a new website and is actively seeking new sponsors. This is a unique festival that trys to keep the summer alive for a few more weeks each season. Enjoy our website and contact us if you would like to sponsor this great event.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Last night, July 22nd at Carson Beach, there was first Family Fun Night held by the South Boston Neighborhood House. Save the Harbor staff Dan, Carolyn, and Tom Reagan went to teach the youth with the touch tank. Earlier in the day Dan and Carolyn had been lucky enough to catch two lobsters! The kids eyes widened as saw the massive lobsters come out of the tank.

The weather was gorgeous. They really enjoyed the beautiful weather and had a great time. The organizers did a fantastic job. The families even signed a poster thanking Save the Harbor/Save the Bay!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Winthrop Beach Sand Castle Day was a great success July 10th weekend at YirrellBeach! The day began very hot. It was so hot that fellow staffer BJ and I couldn’t even walk on the beach barefoot. But the sun was out so we were happy! We went to check the AllAccessBostonHarbor lobster traps and there was a lobster! Now we had a lobster for our touch tank. WinthropParks and Recreation announced our fortunate grab to the crowd! Lots of kids came to touch and learn about the lobster. While I helped the kids, BJ explained about the different programs Save the Harbor/Save the Bay offers. It was even low tide so we, the educators, and the kids went to look on the beach for interesting crabs and other sea creatures for the touch tank. Around three o’clock, around the end of the event, the wind picked up and the sky opened. Luckily the day was over and extremely successful!

Monday, July 19, 2010

The Friends of Lynn & Nahant Beach will host its first ever Children's Concert this Saturday, July 24 from 1-3 p.m. at Red Rock Park on the beach. Activities begin at 1 p.m., including the Northeastern University. Marine Science Center's Traveling Aquarium, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay's Marine Touch Tank, balloon animals by Drew's Balloons and face painting. The Toe Jam Puppet Band will perform with interactive songs and activities. Spread the news, bring your children, grandchildren, any other children to Red Rock Park this Saturday, July 24!

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

It’s hot. The kids need a diversion and you could use some relaxation after a long day. What you need is a family activity that’s not too active but something outdoors, preferably somewhere cool. For a fun event that’s just right for a warm summer night, the beach is the place to go.

Each Thursday evening from July 8 through August 19, the Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach will once again co-sponsor with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation their popular concert series at Red Rock Park on Lynn Shore Drive.

This year’s concert series is sponsored by the Mayor Judith Kennedy, the Lynn City Council, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, the Boston Foundation, the Daily Evening Item, the Lynn Journal, Christopher’s Café, Lynn Economic Development Industrial Corporation, the Tides Restaurant and Pub and Kelly Honda of Lynn.

Now in its 15th year, the Summer Concert Series takes place every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. until August 19. The bands are chosen to represent a wide range of music, from rock to blues to Celtic favorites and island tunes.

July 8 the well-known Classmates will perform a variety of well know selections especially from the 70’s and 80’s. White Lightnin’ returns again this year on July 15 combining elements of rock, pop, fun rhythm and blues.

Well known and popular Brian Maes Band returns to play all his tunes on July 22. Listen to Irish music by Curragh’s Fancy playing rousing renditions of Celtic favorites and old sea chanteys on July 29. Get up and dance with the Shuffle Mode Band on August 5.

Larry Power & the 12:01 Blues Band returns by popular demand on August 12. Our last concert on August 19 will feature well know local singer Mary Beth Maes.

A special Kid’s Concert will be held on July 24 from 1-3 pm featuring the Toe Jam Puppet Band. Special activities will be held for the children, so bring the kid’s down to Red Rock on Saturday, July 24.

All shows are free and audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. The air can be a bit cooler on the waterfront, especially as the sun begins to set earlier. Coffee, soda, water, home made bakery items, and Friends T-Shirts, sweatshirts, hats and Tote Bags will be available for purchase. All proceeds go toward the cost of the concerts.

The Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach, a non-profit organization, was organized in 1990 to protect and promote the wise use of our beaches and waterfront. The organization has worked with local and state elected officials along with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation to form a partnership to promote Lynn and Nahant beaches.

Besides the concert series, the Friends hold beach clean-ups each year. For more information about the Friends and how to join visit their website at www.lynn-nahantbeach.org.

Here's a link to the full concert schedule www.lynn-nahantbeach.org/concerts.html. Hope to see you there!